Health

Attractions on the United States and Canadian sides of the border will "Light it Up for Lymphedema" between March 6 and 8 in order to shine the light on lymphedema, a chronic swelling that has no cure.

In order to mark March being designated World Lymphedema Month and March 6 being declared World Lymphedema Day, the New York State Chapter of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) has contacted the operators of attractions from Buffalo to Toronto to Albany to request the lighting of buildings, domes, bridges, and waterway in teal -- the color of lymphedema (LE) awareness -- in order to bring attention to the disease. This year, LE&RN also is celebrating its 20th year since its inception in 1998, when it was founded as the Lymphatic Research Foundation.

(ProActive Sports Rehab offers a weekly column promoting health, fitness and physical therapy. Please be sure to check back each week for a new topic!)

Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially for those living with diabetes. Everyone can have conflicts finding the right balance of partaking in healthy habits, such as exercise, eating well and even keeping your teeth and gums clean. From stress to self-care, life can be up and down when you're living with diabetes.

These seven tips from Dr. Natalie Strand, the winner of season 17 of "The Amazing Race" who lives with diabetes herself, can help you stay healthy and lead a balanced life while managing your diabetes.

Those who live with diabetes know it is a challenging condition and must be monitored closely. This includes blood work, medications, making daily choices about the foods that are eaten, exercise routine, fluid intake and planning ahead to maintain good health.

The public is invited to come and join other individuals who want to learn more about diabetes by participating in five sessions to be held at the Rural Outreach Center (ROC), 730 Olean Road, East Aurora, beginning Oct. 10. Other dates include Oct. 17, 24, 30 and Nov. 14, all from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Don Birdd will be teaching the sessions. Birdd is a retired Buffalo State College science professor who has lived with diabetes for over 20 years. He will be providing current research materials on ways to achieve and maintain good health.

The Rural Outreach Center (ROC), located at 730 Olean Road in East Aurora, is looking for a part-time case manager/social worker to join its team.

The ROC’s model of care is designed to help individuals and families work toward self-sufficiency. The person hired in this role will be responsible for the intake of new participants, providing case management assistance and triage support. This position will also develop and coordinate the ROC’s Social Work Assistant Team and Housing and Job Boards, as well as update information on other programs. Timely and thorough documentation of work is essential, as well as providing necessary reports.

Candidates must be familiar with community programs in southern Western New York, possess good communication and computer skills, and have the ability to work as a team player. A driver’s license is required.

Slip-and-fall injuries are a serious concern for all businesses, and the lodging industry is no exception. In fact, think about all the areas in a hotel, motel or bed-and-breakfast that have an increased potential for falls: Lobby floors and uncarpeted walkways, buffet and dining areas, kitchens, around swimming pools and saunas, locker rooms, restrooms. It’s a pretty lengthy list.

To prevent slip-and-fall accidents, more and more businesses, including hotels, are turning to a product called Sure Step, offered locally by Western New York-based Nonslip Safety Solution, to keep guests and employees on their feet. The result: Fewer potential lawsuits and/or missed work days.

This week, Sept. 10-16, is National Suicide Prevention Week. For some of us, it’s a time to reflect and mourn those we have lost. And for all of us, it should also be a week filled with starting conversations, taking an active role in suicide prevention, and seeking immediate help for those suffering from depression or carrying the burden of suicidal thoughts.

“Suicidal thoughts and depression can impact anyone of any age, race or gender. It does not discriminate,” said Monica A. Farrar, a licensed mental health counselor and private clinician in Williamsville. “Far too often I meet individuals and families who feel embarrassed or ashamed to openly discuss mental illness and suicide, and that needs to end. Help is available, and it may be a simple conversation that opens the door to treatment and a far better life.”

A free opioid awareness and Narcan training workshop will be offered at noon Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Church of the Annunciation, 7580 Clinton St., Elma.

The workshop is approximately two hours long and will focus on the opioid epidemic in Erie County today, signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, the Good Samaritan Law, the use of Narcan (naloxone) to reverse an overdose and more. It is open to all, and those over 16 are eligible to receive a Narcan kit dependent on NYSDOH supply availability. All participants will also receive instructions on how to get Narcan at a pharmacy.

Water and coffee will be provided, and participants are invited to bring a brown bag lunch.